By Chris Bavender
Tracy Phillips, former executive director for Zionsville Chamber of Commerce, has accepted the position as director of Hussey-Mayfield’s Library Foundation.
The death of her father last spring caused Phillips to re-evaluate her life. In July, she told the Zionsville chamber board she would be stepping down from her role as executive director.
“I loved my job and the community but (the long hours) really hit me,” Phillips said. “My mother lives 15 minutes away in Carmel in the home I grew up in and I wanted to be there to help her, so the decision was made purely for family reasons.”
Her plans changed when a unique opportunity arose.
“I had told all of my friends and colleagues that I needed a sabbatical to help mom and my daughter, (who) is applying for grad school all over the country,” Phillips said. “Then, a dear friend who is on the Hussey-Mayfield Library Board called and said there was an opening for a part-time director of the Library Foundation. She had me at library.”
Literacy is an important cause to Phillips, who worked in her daughter’s elementary and middle school libraries once a week for eight years.
“When (my dad) retired, he just read until the last five years when he became blind, then he would listen to books on tape all day,” Phillips said. “I thought he would be pleased, and I know he is. This is the one thing he loved.”
The Library Foundation supports Hussey-Mayfield’s mission and ensures its longevity by funding major initiatives and projects.
“The Library Foundation Board asked me if I was able to bring the relationships I made at the chamber to the Library Foundation and to the library, and that is what I hope to do,” Phillips said. “It’s not really asking someone for something but giving them an opportunity to be philanthropists. If you have a need to give back, then the treasure we have in the Library can help fulfill that need.”
Phillips began her new position Dec. 3. She will continue with the chamber part-time through the end of the year.
